Macbeth: Macbeth is a thane from Glamis, and he has come back from a battle with the Norwegian army, which he has won and gained success. He doesn’t seem particularly stingy. Banquo: Banquo is one of Macbeth’s subordinates. Ross: Ross is on the search for Macbeth. Angus: Angus is another of the king’s men. He tells Macbeth news of the thane of Cawdor and his treason against the king. Thus, Macbeth comes to power. Witches: The witches in the story can see the future and casts a spell on people. They cast their spells according to their desires and sometimes they are good while other times they are bad.
Major plot events:
The three sisters confront with a sailor’s wife.
They cast a spell on the sailor.
Macbeth enters the area with Banquo.
Banquo questions the witches’ gender.
The witches tell Banquo that his power comes to a limit.
Conflicts:
There is a war going on between the Danes and the Norwegians
Macbeth and Banquo have conflicts with the witches
Macbeth is predicted to be the next king, yet how that will happen is not yet determined.
Macbeth is planned to die.
Ten Vocabulary Words:
quoth: said in first or third person before the subject
rump: the hind of an animal
ronyon: a mangy creature
thither: to or toward tat place
dwindle: to whither away
tempest: a violent or windy storm
homeward: towards home
rapt: completely fascinated
blasted: a destructive wave
corporal: a low ranking officer
Five Phrases
thou’rt kind
- you are kind
He shall live a man forbid
- he shall live a forbidden life as a man
Weary se’nnights nine times nine
- hes been sleeping a lot
Yet it shall be tempest-tost
- it shall be for no cause for it is tempest-tost
So foul and fair a dave I have not seen
- so bad and good a person i have not yet seen Assignment 2
1.5 and 1.6 Response What do we learn about Lady Macbeth in these scenes? Although Macbeth is very loving to her husband, she is also very ambitious, perhaps too ambitious. This is shown by her immediate determination for Macbeth to become the King. She promptly wants to murder the current King Duncan so that Macbeth can become King.
How might Lady Macbeth answer the question “What is the meaning of life?” Explain your answer. Lady Macbeth would answer saying that if there is a meaning in life, it is to have power and wealth so that one could live off materialism. This is a common view by many deep inside. She finds no deeper value in life than materialistic items that satisfy her desires.
Identify and write out two of Lady Macbeth’s lines that are particularly striking. Explain why you selected the lines. “Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood.”
- I chose this line because I believe this line shows exactly Lady Macbeth’s intentions and desires. It is amazing what one quote can tell about a person.
“Okay look up clear. To alter favor ever is to fear. Leave all the rest to me.
- This also clearly shows the queen’s personality as she feels no remorse no guilt in killing an innocent man who indeed praises Macbeth’s duties
Identify one significant word that Lady Macbeth uses in 1.5 or 1.6, and define both the denotation and connotation of the word. Explain why you think the word is significant. beguile:
denotation: charm or enchant
connotation: often negative, to trick or deceive using spells of dark magic. Assignment 3
"Why has Macbeth decided to kill King Duncan by the end of Act 1?
"Macbeth clearly faces an internal debate as he was not able to decide whether to murder King Duncan or to retain himself from such a horrific act. lMacbeth is obviously persuaded to concur in a plot to unlawfully kill the King with premeditation. I believe the factors that affected Macbeth’s decision were his internal desire driven consideration alongside Lady Macbeth’s external assistance ultimately swayed Macbeth into the decision to murder King Duncan.
This is obviously Lady Macbeth’s plan as she states “I may pour my spirits in thine ear; and chastise with the valour of my tongue all that impedes thee from the golden round.” Her intentions of going through with this plan and convincing Macbeth were clear in the previous sections and they only evolve since then. Lady Macbeth argues with Macbeth and convinces him that he is a coward if he does not go with this plan as stated when she says “Wouldst thou have that Which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, And live a coward in thine own esteem, Letting “I dare not” wait upon “I would,” Like the poor cat i' th' adage?.” She also convinces him that the plan will work and that they will not fail as she states “We fail? But screw your courage to the sticking-place, And we’ll not fail.”
Although his decision was largely based upon Lady Macbeth’s persuasion, the decision was made ultimately by himself. Scene 7 is a very important section of the play as it makes lucid many of the hidden characteristics of both Lady Macbeth as well as Macbeth. Although in the middle of scene 7 Macbeth declares he no longer intends to kill Duncan, “We will proceed no further in this business. He hath honored me of late, and I have bought, Golden opinions from all, sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, Not cast aside so soon.he himself does ponder the idea of assassinating Duncan showing his imbalanced mindset as he troubles to decide between his morals and his desires. “If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well, It were done quickly. If the assassination, Could trammel up the consequence, and catch, With his surcease success; that but this blow, Might be the be-all and the end-all here, But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, We’d jump the life to come.” In the end however, he does indeed decide to murder the King ultimately showing his desires overwhelm his morales and conscience. “I am settled, and bend up, Each, corporal agent to this terrible feat. Away, and mock the time with fairest show. False face must hide what the false heart doth know.”
Assignment 4
How does Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does he react this way?
How does Lady Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does she react this way?
To begin, Macbeth is uneasy about killing Duncan. He doesn't really want to kill him because he has been loyal to him all along. After he kills the king, Macbeth is a little jumpy, as is Lady Macbeth. As he approaches he says, "Who's there? what, ho!" He is a little uneasy wondering who is still up while the rest of his job hasn't been finished yet. Here Macbeth has the daggers with him. He can't bear to go and place the bloody knives up with the guards who are to be framed. Did not you speak?" Macbeth is so bothered by this evil deed that he knows he will not be able to sleep. He even hears someone say those words to him.
Lady Macbeth is so overcome with ambition that she doesn't care how he feels. She tells him to "man-up" and get the job done. As he enters the second scene, Lady Macbeth is just as jumpy. Lots of different sounds are making her nervous. she uses words like "Hark!" to show that she's jumpy. "I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry.
"Still it cried 'Sleep no more!' to all the house:
'Glamis hath murder'd sleep, and therefore Cawdor
Shall sleep no more; Macbeth shall sleep no more.'" He says he could not pronounce the word "Amen" when he heard Duncan's sons speak. "But wherefore could not I pronounce 'Amen'?
I had most need of blessing, and 'Amen'
Stuck in my throat" This bothers him a lot, and Lady Macbeth tells him that he needs to not think of such things or he'll go mad. "These deeds must not be thought
After these ways; so, it will make us mad." Lady Macbeth is so overcome with ambition that she doesn't care how he feels. She tells him to "man-up" and get the job done. As he enters the second scene, Lady Macbeth is just as jumpy. Lots of different sounds are making her nervous. she uses words like "Hark!" to show that she's jumpy. "I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry.
Assignment 5
3.5 summary
In this scene, Hecate who is the "goddess of witchcraft" meets the three witches and chastises them for meddeling with the lives of Macbeth and his community without first consulting her. However, even so, she becomes the leader of the operation and claims she will send spirits who will send undermining messages to Macbeth to create a false sense of security. Hecate leaves the scene and the witches work their magic.
3.6 summary
The world is going mad ever since the murder of Duncan. Lennox meets with another lord in this scene and discusses the death of Banquo which has officially been claimed as murder by Fleance. However, both Lennox and the lord suspect Macbeth as the murderer and Lennox is informed that Macduff has fled to England to join Malcom in requesting aid presumably against Macbeth. Macbeth is obviously prompted and suspicious, yet Lennox and the lord hope for the success of Macduff.
What suspiciouns does Lord have about Macbeth?
The lord suspects that Macbeth had killed Banquo instead of Fleance, son of Banquo. Lennox agrees as well. He believes Macbeth would have every reason to kill Banquo.
4.1 Response What does Macbeth want in this scene?
Macbeth wants to know if he is secure or not. He wants to know that he will sustain power.
What stands in his way?
Macduff stands in Macbeth's way, since in an earlier scene, he was warned that Macduff with Malcom had joined powers and asked the lord of England for support. He is worried and hence asks the witches.
How does Macbeth attempt overcome the obstacles in his way?
Macbeth decides to kill Macduff even though the witches assure him that no women born man can kill him. He decides to kill him nevertheless to ensure his power.
What do the Witches want in this scene?
The witches in this scene obviously want to confuse Macduff and create trouble as it is their sole objective. Assignment 6
How has Macbeth transformed by the end of the play? Macbeth is presented in the beginning of the play as a noble man that has a good established character. His character was one of good honor and bravery. This is obvious from the opening scene of the war, where Macbeth emerges on the scene and helps end the fighting, winning the war for Scotland. However, he is very ambitious, to be the next King. At the beginning of the play, he was loyal to his present King, and then later he forms an image of murder in his mind and said to himself:
"If chance will have me king,
why, chance may crown me
Without my stir. "(Act 1, Sc.3, p.25)
Macbeth's qualities changed throughout the play, especially after Duncan's death. After Duncan's death, Macbeth's nobleness and loyal aspects of his character vanished. His character now turned into an evil, greedy, mad man with excessive pride. This hubris eventually led him to his downfall. At the end Macbeth's life had been shattered by bloodshed and hatred. He accepts the fact that he is going to be defeated in the end:
"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing." (Act 5, Sc.5, p.179)
Macbeth knew that he was not only going to be defeated, but killed as well. He realized all the struggles truly amount to nothing in the end. Macbeth a man of ambition, a man of lost nerve, is finally convinced that murder is the best way to achieve a very honorable goal. However, his remorse and guilt, two tragic characteristics, are enough to drive him mad and eventually to his death.
Assignment 7
What is the main idea of the story?
The main idea of the story is about a man who undergoes a series of unfortunate events that occur due to strong persuasion as well as corruption ultimately leading to a change of heart and the downfall of a King. What can we learn from these characters? Select one or two characters and explain your answer.
There are many things we can learn from the characters in Macbeth. One of the simple lessons is be independent. Macbeth clearly fell into the dreadful mezmorizing spell of Lady Macbeth and the Witches. He thought about it himself and could have refrained from committing the terrible act, however he feel under peer pressure and led to his downfall. From Lady Macbeth, we should learn to be careful what you wish for. After the horrendous deed is done, she does not think about the future very carefully. She immediately desires power and does not care how she intends to obtain it. Do you see recurring images, words, deeds, situations, consequences, mistakes? Select two items from the preceding list and give examples from the play.
Not available
Assignment 1
Scenes 1.3 Response
Macbeth: Macbeth is a thane from Glamis, and he has come back from a battle with the Norwegian army, which he has won and gained success. He doesn’t seem particularly stingy.
Banquo: Banquo is one of Macbeth’s subordinates.
Ross: Ross is on the search for Macbeth.
Angus: Angus is another of the king’s men. He tells Macbeth news of the thane of Cawdor and his treason against the king. Thus, Macbeth comes to power.
Witches: The witches in the story can see the future and casts a spell on people. They cast their spells according to their desires and sometimes they are good while other times they are bad.
Major plot events:
The three sisters confront with a sailor’s wife.
They cast a spell on the sailor.
Macbeth enters the area with Banquo.
Banquo questions the witches’ gender.
The witches tell Banquo that his power comes to a limit.
Conflicts:
There is a war going on between the Danes and the Norwegians
Macbeth and Banquo have conflicts with the witches
Macbeth is predicted to be the next king, yet how that will happen is not yet determined.
Macbeth is planned to die.
Ten Vocabulary Words:
quoth: said in first or third person before the subject
rump: the hind of an animal
ronyon: a mangy creature
thither: to or toward tat place
dwindle: to whither away
tempest: a violent or windy storm
homeward: towards home
rapt: completely fascinated
blasted: a destructive wave
corporal: a low ranking officer
Five Phrases
thou’rt kind
- you are kind
He shall live a man forbid
- he shall live a forbidden life as a man
Weary se’nnights nine times nine
- hes been sleeping a lot
Yet it shall be tempest-tost
- it shall be for no cause for it is tempest-tost
So foul and fair a dave I have not seen
- so bad and good a person i have not yet seen
Assignment 2
1.5 and 1.6 Response
What do we learn about Lady Macbeth in these scenes?
Although Macbeth is very loving to her husband, she is also very ambitious, perhaps too ambitious. This is shown by her immediate determination for Macbeth to become the King. She promptly wants to murder the current King Duncan so that Macbeth can become King.
How might Lady Macbeth answer the question “What is the meaning of life?” Explain your answer.
Lady Macbeth would answer saying that if there is a meaning in life, it is to have power and wealth so that one could live off materialism. This is a common view by many deep inside. She finds no deeper value in life than materialistic items that satisfy her desires.
Identify and write out two of Lady Macbeth’s lines that are particularly striking. Explain why you selected the lines.
“Come, you spirits that tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood.”
- I chose this line because I believe this line shows exactly Lady Macbeth’s intentions and desires. It is amazing what one quote can tell about a person.
“Okay look up clear. To alter favor ever is to fear. Leave all the rest to me.
- This also clearly shows the queen’s personality as she feels no remorse no guilt in killing an innocent man who indeed praises Macbeth’s duties
Identify one significant word that Lady Macbeth uses in 1.5 or 1.6, and define both the denotation and connotation of the word. Explain why you think the word is significant.
beguile:
denotation: charm or enchant
connotation: often negative, to trick or deceive using spells of dark magic.
Assignment 3
"Why has Macbeth decided to kill King Duncan by the end of Act 1?
"Macbeth clearly faces an internal debate as he was not able to decide whether to murder King Duncan or to retain himself from such a horrific act. lMacbeth is obviously persuaded to concur in a plot to unlawfully kill the King with premeditation. I believe the factors that affected Macbeth’s decision were his internal desire driven consideration alongside Lady Macbeth’s external assistance ultimately swayed Macbeth into the decision to murder King Duncan.
This is obviously Lady Macbeth’s plan as she states “I may pour my spirits in thine ear; and chastise with the valour of my tongue all that impedes thee from the golden round.” Her intentions of going through with this plan and convincing Macbeth were clear in the previous sections and they only evolve since then. Lady Macbeth argues with Macbeth and convinces him that he is a coward if he does not go with this plan as stated when she says “Wouldst thou have that Which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, And live a coward in thine own esteem, Letting “I dare not” wait upon “I would,” Like the poor cat i' th' adage?.” She also convinces him that the plan will work and that they will not fail as she states “We fail? But screw your courage to the sticking-place, And we’ll not fail.”
Although his decision was largely based upon Lady Macbeth’s persuasion, the decision was made ultimately by himself. Scene 7 is a very important section of the play as it makes lucid many of the hidden characteristics of both Lady Macbeth as well as Macbeth. Although in the middle of scene 7 Macbeth declares he no longer intends to kill Duncan, “We will proceed no further in this business. He hath honored me of late, and I have bought, Golden opinions from all, sorts of people, Which would be worn now in their newest gloss, Not cast aside so soon.he himself does ponder the idea of assassinating Duncan showing his imbalanced mindset as he troubles to decide between his morals and his desires. “If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well, It were done quickly. If the assassination, Could trammel up the consequence, and catch, With his surcease success; that but this blow, Might be the be-all and the end-all here, But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, We’d jump the life to come.” In the end however, he does indeed decide to murder the King ultimately showing his desires overwhelm his morales and conscience. “I am settled, and bend up, Each, corporal agent to this terrible feat. Away, and mock the time with fairest show. False face must hide what the false heart doth know.”
Assignment 4
"Still it cried 'Sleep no more!' to all the house:
'Glamis hath murder'd sleep, and therefore Cawdor
Shall sleep no more; Macbeth shall sleep no more.'"
He says he could not pronounce the word "Amen" when he heard Duncan's sons speak.
"But wherefore could not I pronounce 'Amen'?
I had most need of blessing, and 'Amen'
Stuck in my throat"
This bothers him a lot, and Lady Macbeth tells him that he needs to not think of such things or he'll go mad.
"These deeds must not be thought
After these ways; so, it will make us mad."
Lady Macbeth is so overcome with ambition that she doesn't care how he feels. She tells him to "man-up" and get the job done. As he enters the second scene, Lady Macbeth is just as jumpy. Lots of different sounds are making her nervous. she uses words like "Hark!" to show that she's jumpy. "I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry.
Assignment 5
3.5 summary
In this scene, Hecate who is the "goddess of witchcraft" meets the three witches and chastises them for meddeling with the lives of Macbeth and his community without first consulting her. However, even so, she becomes the leader of the operation and claims she will send spirits who will send undermining messages to Macbeth to create a false sense of security. Hecate leaves the scene and the witches work their magic.
3.6 summary
The world is going mad ever since the murder of Duncan. Lennox meets with another lord in this scene and discusses the death of Banquo which has officially been claimed as murder by Fleance. However, both Lennox and the lord suspect Macbeth as the murderer and Lennox is informed that Macduff has fled to England to join Malcom in requesting aid presumably against Macbeth. Macbeth is obviously prompted and suspicious, yet Lennox and the lord hope for the success of Macduff.
What suspiciouns does Lord have about Macbeth?
The lord suspects that Macbeth had killed Banquo instead of Fleance, son of Banquo. Lennox agrees as well. He believes Macbeth would have every reason to kill Banquo.
4.1 Response
What does Macbeth want in this scene?
Macbeth wants to know if he is secure or not. He wants to know that he will sustain power.
What stands in his way?
Macduff stands in Macbeth's way, since in an earlier scene, he was warned that Macduff with Malcom had joined powers and asked the lord of England for support. He is worried and hence asks the witches.
How does Macbeth attempt overcome the obstacles in his way?
Macbeth decides to kill Macduff even though the witches assure him that no women born man can kill him. He decides to kill him nevertheless to ensure his power.
What do the Witches want in this scene?
The witches in this scene obviously want to confuse Macduff and create trouble as it is their sole objective.
Assignment 6
How has Macbeth transformed by the end of the play?
Macbeth is presented in the beginning of the play as a noble man that has a good established character. His character was one of good honor and bravery. This is obvious from the opening scene of the war, where Macbeth emerges on the scene and helps end the fighting, winning the war for Scotland. However, he is very ambitious, to be the next King. At the beginning of the play, he was loyal to his present King, and then later he forms an image of murder in his mind and said to himself:
"If chance will have me king,
why, chance may crown me
Without my stir. "(Act 1, Sc.3, p.25)
Macbeth's qualities changed throughout the play, especially after Duncan's death. After Duncan's death, Macbeth's nobleness and loyal aspects of his character vanished. His character now turned into an evil, greedy, mad man with excessive pride. This hubris eventually led him to his downfall. At the end Macbeth's life had been shattered by bloodshed and hatred. He accepts the fact that he is going to be defeated in the end:
"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing." (Act 5, Sc.5, p.179)
Macbeth knew that he was not only going to be defeated, but killed as well. He realized all the struggles truly amount to nothing in the end. Macbeth a man of ambition, a man of lost nerve, is finally convinced that murder is the best way to achieve a very honorable goal. However, his remorse and guilt, two tragic characteristics, are enough to drive him mad and eventually to his death.
Assignment 7
What is the main idea of the story?
The main idea of the story is about a man who undergoes a series of unfortunate events that occur due to strong persuasion as well as corruption ultimately leading to a change of heart and the downfall of a King.
What can we learn from these characters? Select one or two characters and explain your answer.
There are many things we can learn from the characters in Macbeth. One of the simple lessons is be independent. Macbeth clearly fell into the dreadful mezmorizing spell of Lady Macbeth and the Witches. He thought about it himself and could have refrained from committing the terrible act, however he feel under peer pressure and led to his downfall. From Lady Macbeth, we should learn to be careful what you wish for. After the horrendous deed is done, she does not think about the future very carefully. She immediately desires power and does not care how she intends to obtain it.
Do you see recurring images, words, deeds, situations, consequences, mistakes? Select two items from the preceding list and give examples from the play.
Not available